This coming fall I will be attending the University of Miami, but I cannot decide between going into engineering or finance. I have always been interested in both engineering and finance. I have built things such as computers and I have always researched financial markets to get a better understanding of them. Currently I am listed as an engineering major, but there are several things I am worried about with majoring in engineering.
The rigor of engineering seems very intense, I am not sure I can handle everything (I have a score of 32 on the ACT, but a 28 in Math)
I feel a finance major would end up making more money over their career span than an engineer (This is only relevant because I have become accustomed to an upper-class lifestyle)
Engineers seem very introverted and socially awkward to a point where it is hard to even communicate( Trying not to stereotype, but this is what I have encountered when meeting engineers)
Miami’s school of engineering is also not highly ranked nationally, but its school of finance is
Also, how likely is it that an engineer would be able to get a job in business? (I know there are no guarantees in life)
Reflections:
Engineers with good communications skills do okay. After 40 years I can say I that I am very happy with my choice. The market changed abruptly a few times and I adapted. However there was a cross road. In grad school my wife and I occupied the 3rd floor apartment of a prof who was on the selection committee for the nation’s top MBA program. I said thanks but no thanks.
My children, conversely, rejected all of this STEM hoopla and choose finance and management. I think high schoolers are steered toward STEM because of of the hoopla without really liking STEM.
You would do well in engineering, however, may i suggest a finance major and an engineering minor? That will see you apart somewhat. Plus you don’t sound like you want to hang out with engineers.
Yes engineers are employed by management consultants. My experience with Michigan and Cal Davis chem eng undergrads revealed that 1/3 went into the management consulting. Others split between medicine and process engineering.
FYI. I reviewed the board members of my local electric company. 50 years ago the board was all engineers. Then they went on a finance/MBA binge. The company did not survive the 2009 crash and merged. Now engineers are back in charge! In addition, GE got rid of their “capital” group and now seem focused on tech. My point is that you can not predict the future. But, great that you are thing ahead.